Green shoots of recovery?
The dust has settled then and our fairly dismal record in the domestic cups under Klopp continues. Having got over the initial disappointment however, I do feel there were some signs we’re starting to turn a corner. Yes the result isn’t what we wanted but on the back of recent displays, I was as concerned about the performance yesterday as much as I was the result and there were definite signs of improvement.
First things first, Salah is back amongst the goals and his finish for the opener was not a finish from a player lacking confidence. An opportunistic second showed Salah back to being Salah. Shades of the old Firmino also emerged with two assists, the first a lovely through ball for Salah.
Another positive was young Curtis who I thought was excellent yesterday. Didn’t offer too much of an attacking threat from LW but his pressing and winning the ball back has improved immensely. He used to have the Shaqiri style of pressing – running up to the player in possession but not actually making any real attempt to get the ball back. Now Jones is using his body intelligently and won the ball back on a number of occasions. Good to see him getting his swagger back.
For all the positives though, there’s no getting away from the negatives. Trent badly struggled again first half, although did show some improvement after the break. The real negative of yesterday’s showing though, was the performance of Rhys Williams.
I’m not going to slate young Rhys. The facts of the matter are, he shouldn’t be anywhere near our first team. The kid was playing at Kidderminster last season and now is being asked to turn out at Old Trafford, away at our fiercest rivals who also happen to be top of the Premier league.
I can remember the turning point in the match for him. There was a challenge he went into with Cavani, he went to ground but the ball was definitely there to be won. He just lacked any conviction in the challenge, went in at 50%, Cavani came away with the ball and you could almost see the confidence drain out of Rhys. Skinned by Rashford after another mistake just before the break and then we all know what happened at the beginning of the second half. I just hope yesterday wasn’t too damaging for his confidence long term. I do think he should go back to the U21’s however and if we are going to go with a youthful CB over one of our midfielders, then make it Nat Phillips. I know he can’t pass and has a first touch like a trampoline but he’s much more developed physically and his positioning is much better with his added experience. Or maybe we should just sign a CB…
Anyway, I’m not too disheartened. The difference between the two teams yesterday was a nervous kid, being played out of desperation. We’re back amongst the goals and much improved performance wise, compared with recent weeks.
Spurs up next on Thursday then, which should see Matip return at CB, which will be massive for us and I’m praying Hendo is fit and can come back into midfield, as god knows we’ve missed him. My team selection for Spurs assuming Hendo makes it, if he doesn’t then replace with Milner.
Alisson
Trent Matip Fabinho Robbo
Hendo Thiago Gini
Salah Firmino Mane
As I write this Spurs are drawing 1-1 with Wycombe so it’s bound to be a foregone conclusion on Thursday right? Walk on!
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